Municipal News & Jobs

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Six priorities have been identified to guide future efforts: access to care, behavioral health and substance misuse, food security, transportation, affordable housing and addressing health disparities and community voice.
Read more: Hutch News

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Jacob Wood was appointed Salina’s new city manager, dropping the “interim” title. Wood has had several roles within the city of Salina dating back to 2008 as an intern in the finance department before moving into the city manager’s office.
Read more: Salina Journal

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Early on, the new USD 460 cell phone or mobile device policy was met with broad skepticism. Detractors were worried about being able to contact their children during the school day. However, a week in to the new school year under the new cell phone policy, students have seemed to adjust quickly to having to deposit their mobile devices into Faraday pouches. The pouches have a Velcro closure but can be accessed in case of an emergency. Students store their devices inside the pouch and have it returned at the end of the school day. If a student has to leave for an appointment or school activity, then they are allowed to take their phones with them.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered flags be flown at half-staff at the state capitol complex and all court buildings in honor of a longtime Sedgwick County District Court judge who died this week. Judge Bruce Brown, who served as the Division 10 Judge in the 18th Judicial Court District, died Thursday following “an extended illness,” according to news releases from the governor’s office and the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration. He was 64.
Read more: Homepage

Great Bend Police Officer Paul Millard spent much of Aug. 9 sitting on a dunk tank platform, grinning as kids lined up their pitches to dunk him. It’s not uncommon for the school resource officer to participate in community events. But as the day went on, word quietly spread that a hero was sitting atop the dunk tank. The video player is currently playing an ad. Less than 24 hours earlier, Millard had stopped a 17-year-old with a handgun after a shooting in the parking lot at Towne East Square — action that Wichita police credited with saving lives.
Read more: Homepage

The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider implementing esports teams at middle and high schools. Kansas State High School Activities Association board members voted in April to sanction esports as an interscholastic activity beginning in the 2025-26 year. If given approval Monday, the district would begin registering buildings based on student interest and available resources, according to the meeting agenda item. The agenda says the growing sport lends itself to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning, and students who aspire to compete in college could be recruited or offered scholarships.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday gave a tepid indication of possible interest rate cuts ahead as he noted a high level of uncertainty that is making the job difficult for monetary policymakers. In his much-anticipated speech at the Fed’s annual conclave in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the central bank leader in prepared remarks cited “sweeping changes” in tax, trade and immigration policies. The result is that “the balance of risks appear to be shifting” between the Fed’s twin goals of full employment and stable prices.
Read more: Bonds

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced that the measles outbreak affecting southwest Kansas has officially ended. Two full incubation periods, for a total of 42 days, have passed since the last confirmed case was reported. As there is not an active outbreak in southwest Kansas, KDHE is no longer recommending the early measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination dose for infants 6-11 months old. Health care providers should now refer to the standard childhood schedule for MMR administration.
Read more: KDHE, KS – News Flash

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new round of funding totaling $341,000 is available through the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. Now entering its fourth round, the SEED initiative continues to support economic development and quality-of-life improvements in Kansas’ smallest communities.
Read more: Press Releases Archives – Kansas Department of Commerce

Rising electricity demand, in part due to AI needs, along with the increasing cost of alternatives should cushion the impact for green energy. The government delivered a shock to the renewable energy industry when it took away subsidies for solar and wind as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It’s a shock the industry can actually absorb—and maybe even benefit from in the long term.
Read more: WSJ.com: Markets

The Lyon County Commission approved the purchase of a 4-month pilot with Hyper to automate 10 non-emergency call types for a total of $16,200 to be paid from the Dispatch Contractual Services fund. The new program, developed by new San Francisco based startup Hyper, is designed to respond to calls related to utilities, parking, controlled burns, and other non-911 issues. An AI voice, customizable by gender and talking speed, will ask for information and process it, transferring the caller if needed.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com – RSS Results in news,government/*

With the Kansas Jayhawks playing their home games in Kansas City last season, Lawrence businesses lost revenue. However, with an upgraded stadium, business owners are ready for the rewards that come with it. It’s been 644 days since KU last played in Lawrence. And just judging by how many people are around town, Jayhawk fans are happy that KU is finally back home.
Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports

Overland Park will soon replace what flag experts had ranked as one of the worst city flags with a new one that seeks to evoke the city’s park identity and nods to its history. The new flag proposal — which follows months of mulling and public engagement — comes at the tail end of a wider city brand overhaul that staff have been working on. During that process, the city engaged North American Vexillological Association, an international nonprofit organization of flag experts and enthusiasts that had ranked the old city flag as one of the worst in the country.
Read more: Johnson County Post

The De Soto City Council approved a plan to develop a $3 billion data center campus near the Panasonic plant and will back it with industrial revenue bonds. California-based Beale Infrastructure plans a 1.14 million-square-foot data center campus at the northwest corner of 103rd Street and Edgerton Road in Flint Commerce Center. Beale, a portfolio company of Blue Owl Capital Inc., specializes in data center development. The project is expected to create 155 jobs by 2040.
Read more: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

Olathe’s industrial growth surges as Aspen Funds plans a 1M-square-foot warehouse along I-35, joining the area’s expanding large-scale developments. More than 1 million square feet of warehouse will add to Olathe’s expanding roster of large-scale industrial projects along Interstate 35. Overland Park-based Aspen Funds plans six single-story speculative industrial buildings near the southeast corner of 167th Street and Hedge Lane.
Read more: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

What was once a former detox facility in Hutchinson will soon be known as The Center, and it will be filled with resources that will help the homeless in Hutch survive on their own by teaching them life skills.  The New Beginnings leadership team says the 16-room facility will have more than 30 beds, and experts specializing in trauma support, life skills and more. They also say that New Beginnings owns the building where the detox center used to be, so they aren’t breaking their budget by purchasing a new building or constructing a new facility.  
Read more: KSN-TV

The City of Topeka is launching “History of Topeka,” a new monthly documentary series featuring powerful stories, pivotal moments and inspiring people that shaped the city into what it is today. The very first episode is called “Topeka’s Beginnings: 30 Years That Built a Capital.” It discusses the city’s free-state roots to becoming the state capital, as well as the early struggles and visions that laid the foundation for the community.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

The mother of a man who was shot and killed by Olathe Police in late 2022 received $625,000 to settle a federal lawsuit that was heading to trial later this year. That’s according to an agreement obtained by the Post through public records requests dated July 23, which plaintiff Maria Varnas and Olathe City Manager Michael Wilkes signed, that details the terms of the settlement and releases all claims raised in the lawsuit. Last month, Judge Julie Robinson of the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kansas, approved the wrongful death settlement between Varnas and the city of Olathe and former Olathe Police Officer Conner Thompson.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Humboldt schools have in place new rules to keep cell phones out of the classroom, joining a growing collection of districts across the nation to set forth new limitations. As the morning bell rings this fall, many students across the country will be tucking their phones away for the day — whether they like it or not. From statewide bans in Missouri to stricter local policies in Kansas classrooms, schools are drawing a harder line on cell phones, citing concerns over distraction, student behavior, and mental health.
Read more: The Iola Register

Public Officer Gary Vaughan addressed that mange has been found amongst feral cats in town, which poses a concern as it can cause scabies in humans. Vaughan reported that a citizen was recently bit by a feral cat which resulted in the citizen having to undergo the rabies protocol of shots. Trapping has occurred and at least 13 cats have been sent to farms and those found with mange disposed of. Vaughan recommended that a public service announcement be made to remind citizens not to feed feral cats and to vaccinate pets for rabies and to keep them inside at night.
Read more: Homepage

The population report uses U.S. Census Bureau data to track populations. In total, 34 cities gained more than 100 people in the past year, compared to 18 in 2023.
Read more: CJonline

Some of them are comparable to what Lawrence is proposing. Others are hundreds of dollars higher. Some have tiers, or extra services, or even include swimming pool access.
Read more: LJWorld

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Marshall County voters will decide during the November 4th general election whether the sale of liquor by the drink should be allowed in public places without a food sales requirement. Marshall County voters subsequently approved the sale of liquor by the drink with a 30% food sales requirement.
Read more: KMZA

The bond will fund: A middle school addition, including six new classrooms; and an elementary school addition, featuring two classrooms, a music room, and a covered connection.
Read more: KNZA

On Tuesday, August 12, an unmanned aircraft departed Kelly Hills UAS Airfield in Seneca carrying an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and landed 30 minutes later at Charles E. Grutzmacher Municipal Airport in Onaga. According to a release, the flight demonstrated how advanced drone technology can help bridge healthcare gaps for rural communities.
Read more: KMZA

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday voted 4-1 to increase the special tax that applies to hotel stays in hopes of better preparing for and capitalizing on an influx of World Cup visitors. The World Cup is expected to bring thousands of international fans and millions of dollars to the Kansas City area next summer. Six matches including a quarterfinal match will be played between June 16 and July 11, 2026 at Arrowhead Stadium. For each game, officials estimate the impact to the area will be similar to what a Super Bowl would be, and the effects will ripple far beyond Kansas City. The transient guest tax is a special sales tax that applies to stays in hotels and short-term rentals. Increasing the rate to 8% from 6% could bring in approximately $940,000 in increased revenue in 2026, according to the city.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

A data center campus soon could take root in De Soto across the street from Panasonic’s $4 billion EV-battery plant. Mount Sunflower Properties LLC, managed by Beale Infrastructure, is under contract with PBР Logistics LLC, a Flint Development Group entity, to buy land in Flint Commerce Center at 103rd Street and Edgerton Road to develop a data center campus.
Read more: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

Nearly two months since passing the ordinance, councilman Robert “Bob” Lauck expressed his concern Monday night regarding the city’s procedure for overgrown lawns. Around mid-June, the city amended its ordinance dealing with tall grass when it becomes a public nuisance, growing over six inches. Initially, the ordinance noted the steps taken if the city has to step in to mow an overgrown lawn. However, the ordinance did not list a penalty amount.
Read more: – Latest Stories

Federal Reserve officials worried at their July meeting about the state of the labor market and inflation, though most agreed that it was too soon to lower interest rates, minutes released Wednesday showed. The meeting summary depicted divergence of opinion among the central bankers, whose vote to hold their key rate steady came despite objections from two Fed governors who argued in favor of cutting. Policymakers noted rising threats to the economy that would warrant monitoring, though they largely agreed that their current stance was the appropriate way to go.
Read more: Finance

Following a failed bond issue this past spring, ahead of the new school year the USD 263 Board of Education took action to bring the item back before voters in the November general election — this time with a few tweaks. As part of the special election in April 2025, voters in the Mulvane school district soundly (60%) voted against a $9 million bond issue for a new early childhood education center. A $50 million bond issue for safety and security enhancements at all district buildings was more narrowly defeated, with 52% of voters against it.
Read more: www.derbyinformer.com – RSS Results in news/area_news of type article

They fly quietly at night, scouring the countryside for insects on which to feed, surrounded by an aura of mystique and possibly fear. They cannot see very well, if at all, and are marvels of the natural world for using echolocation to navigate. They are the bats of Kansas.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Rural neighbors of a massive warehouse project near 199th Street and Gardner Road have lost a court case that sought to declare the city of Edgerton’s 2020 annexation of more than 600 acres near their homes illegal under Kansas’ “narrow corridor” law. Johnson County District Court Judge David Hauber issued a ruling Wednesday in favor of the city of Edgerton, delivering a disappointment to neighbors who have been fighting the NorthPoint warehouse development for five and a half years.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Republic County Commissioners voted unanimously to place a ballot measure before voters on November 4th, asking approval of up to $17.86 million in revenue bonds for a new Public Safety Building. The measure will give residents a straightforward choice: “yes” or “no.” While county leaders have yet to disclose the exact location or full funding plan for the proposed jail facility, officials had initially suggested more details might be available this week. The ballot question references a charter resolution authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a county public safety and law enforcement facility.
Read more: KCLY Radio

The USD 379 school board is nearing a request for public feedback on an upcoming tax-neutral bond issue. The current six-mill bond levy is scheduled to expire in September of 2026. USD 379 will hold a bond election in March of 2026 to ask voters to renew the tax-neutral six mill bond levy, and they are considering two options: a deferred maintenance-only bond or a consolidation bond. Due to the significant decline in enrollment and its projected continuation, the district is investigating ways to reduce its footprint through the consolidation of buildings in Clay Center. 
Read more: KCLY Radio

Voters in Prairie Village, Kansas, will be faced with an unusual question on their ballots in about three months: Shall the city abandon the mayor-council form of government? We’ll hear about how a fight over zoning and housing wound up in a legal battle over the city government’s structure itself. Even if voters agree to “abandon” the current structure this November, though, there’s no plan for replacing it with a different model.
Read more: News

Erica Schlender reveres this ground, homesteaded by her great-great-grandfather, where he put down roots that continue to anchor her.  She thinks of the effort that each generation of her family poured into this soil near Moundridge, raising crops and children and tending it not just for the moment but for the future. And she thinks about the house she wants to build here and the children she wants to raise here, while continuing the farm for generations. Schlender is reflective of a trend that emerged in the most recent Census of Agriculture in Kansas: a growing number of young farmers and women in agriculture. There were more than 34,000 female producers in Kansas in 2022, up nearly 2,000 over 2017.
Read more: KLC Journal

Erie Market in Erie, Kansas will close by August’s end when River Grocery LLC’s lease expires, leaving residents without local grocery access.
Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com – RSS Results in news/local-news of type article

The Parsons Police Department and the Labette Community College Foundation have partnered to establish the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Scholarship, an endowment that will help local students pursue careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, or civic leadership.
Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com – RSS Results in news/local-news of type article

Firefighters traded their gear for purrs and whiskers Monday as they teamed up with Pawsprints of the Heartland to help promote cat adoptions. Instead of responding to a fire call, members of the fire department posed with adult cats in need of homes.
Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com – RSS Results in news/local-news of type article

Finney County has hired Derek Ramos as its next county administrator after a nationwide search. Ramos is currently the assistant city manager in Garden City and has more than 17 years of experience in government, education, construction management, and financial advising. He also served nearly a decade as dean of facilities management at Garden City Community College.
Read more: KSN-TV